Method for prefitting an orthopaedic member

Abstract: A method is provided for prefitting a stiffened member to a curved body having a geometry approximatable by a cone. Two points are initially selected on the surface of the body which also lie on two different planes passing through the body, such that the intersection of the surface and the planes defines two closed curves. A cone is approximated based on parameters relating to the curves and the selected points. A three-dimensional pattern of a stiffened member is then superimposed onto the conical surface at a modelling position corresponding to the desired placement position of the member on the body. The geometry and dimensions of the pattern are mathematically specified relative to the conical surface and the specifications provide a model for fabricating the prefitted stiffened member.

Description: The present invention relates generally to orthotics, and more particularly to a method for prefitting a stiffened orthopaedic brace component to a curved surface of the body. The proper fit of an orthotic device to the body of a patient is critical to performance of the device, as well as to the comfort of the patient. The fit of common orthotic devices, such as orthopaedic braces for joint stabilisation, is often approximated by offering a matrix of several sizes, across the entire size range. For example, a typical size matrix is small, medium, and large. The contours of the human body, however, are not always uniform and symmetrical, thereby rendering the standardisation of properly fitting size matrices for orthotic devices problematic. The problem is particularly acute when attempting to fit the human body with off-the-shelf orthotic devices having support components fabricated from relatively stiff materials, such as metals or rigid plastics. Because these components lack the ability to conform to the curves of the body contours, they are often preformed to have a generalised curved configuration that is intended to approximate the shape of the body and provide a close fit thereto. Nevertheless, it has been found that the body contours often have irregularities that the generalised curves of preformed orthotic devices do not adequately approximate. As an alternative to standardised size matrices, orthotic devices can be customised for a more proper fit. Custom fitting, however, requires a large number of measurements of individual body dimensions rendering custom fitting and custom fabrication processes time-consuming and costly. The present invention can also relate to other stiffened components which are to be fitted to a body such as sports braces and protection articles. Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a systematic method for prefitting a stiffened member to a curved surface that is applicable to both standardised sizing and custom fitting of the member to the surface. It is a particular object of the present invention to provide a systematic method for prefitting a stiffened orthotic device to a curved surface of the human body. The present invention enables the prefitting of an orthotic device to the human body that is adaptable to the oftentimes irregular and complex contours of the body and/or that integrates relatively complex curves into the preformed device closely approximating the contours of the body. The present invention also facilitates the systematic prefitting of a substantially customised or off-the-shelf orthotic device to the human body that requires relatively few preliminary measurements of the patient being prefitted with the device, or alternatively the prefitting of an off-the-shelf orthotic device to the human body that requires no preliminary measurements, but bases the fit on a statistical survey of body measurements from a population pool. The present invention can provide a systematic method for prefitting the orthotic device to the human body that establishes a relatively accurate, yet uniform and simple, analytical model of a human body to which a pattern of the device can be fitted. Such a pattern can be used to establish corresponding fabrication parameters for creating the prefitted orthotic device. United States Patent No. 3,711,350 relates to a process for the fabrication of preforms for complex contoured bodies such as are used in the aerospace industry, and there is a mathematical derivation of a continuous path for laying tapes about the surface of a mandrel. United States Patent No. 3,934,583 discloses a musculoskeletal shin support made of an elongate form-fitting elastic foam having elastic strips adhered to its inner surface, the dimensions of the sleeve being determined from dimensions (circumferences) of the patient's leg at predetermined locations. Although there is some mathematical analysis relative to a desired or existing shape, neither of these two documents disclose a method for prefitting a stiffened member to a curved surface of a body according to the present invention, which method comprises defining a cone having a three dimensional conical surface approximating a curved surface of a body; and superimposing a three dimensional pattern onto said three dimensional conical surface at a modelling position corresponding to a desired placement position of a stiffened member on said curved surface of said body. The present invention thus provides a method for prefitting a stiffened member to a curved body having a geometry approximatable by a cone. More specifically, the method encompasses prefitting a stiffened orthotic member, such as a rigid or semi-rigid orthopaedic brace component, to a curved, but oftentimes irregular, surface of a substantially tapered human body section. In embodiments of the present method, two points are initially selected on the curved surface of a body to which the practitioner desires to prefit a stiffened member. The points are selected to lie on two different planes passing through the body that are spaced a longitudinal distance apart from one another, such that the intersection of the curved body surface and the two planes defines two distinct closed curves. A cone having a defined conical surface approximating the curved body surface is derived based on the longitudinal distance and the two curves. A three-dimensional pattern of the stiffened member is then superimposed onto the conical surface at a modelling position corresponding to the desired placement position of the member on the curved body surface. Finally, the geometry and dimensions of the pattern are mathematically specified relative to the defined conical surface by analytical methods. For example, the three-dimensional pattern may be converted to a two-dimensional mapping, and the dimensional specifications of the stiffened member are derived from the two-dimensional mapping. Alternatively, the three-dimensional conical surface may be mapped on a two-dimensional surface, and a two-dimensional mapping corresponding to the three-dimensional pattern superimposed on the two-dimensional surface. The dimensional specifications of the two-dimensional mapping may then be determined relative to the two-dimensional surface, which dimensional specifications correspond to dimensional specifications of the stiffened member prefitted onto the curved surface of the body. The mathematical specifications of the pattern subsequently provide a model for fabricating a stiffened member prefitted to the curved surface of the body at the desired placement position. One embodiment of the present invention applies to cases where the peripheral curves defined by the intersection of the two planes and the curved body surface are approximatable by two circles. Another embodiment applies to cases where the peripheral curves are more closely approximatable by two ellipses. In accordance with a first embodiment, the two peripheral curves are defined in the manner recited above and two circles are approximated therefrom. Since a circle can be completely defined by a single parameter selected from a group of quantifiable parameters including the radius, diameter or circumference, the value of at least one and preferably only one, such circle-defining parameter is determined for each approximated circle. The values of the circle-defining parameters and the value of the longitudinal distance between the two selected points together define a circular cone having a conical surface that approximates the curved surface of the body. Thereafter, a pattern is superimposed onto the conical surface in substantially the same manner as recited above, providing a basis for fabricating a stiffened member prefitted to the curved surface of the body. In accordance with a second embodiment of the invention, the two peripheral curves are again defined in the manner recited above. Since the peripheral curves, however, more closely resemble ellipses, two ellipses are approximated from the curves. Values are then determined for a number of quantifiable parameters sufficient to define each ellipse. A preferred set of ellipse-defining parameters is the length of the major axis and the length of the minor axis for each ellipse. The values of the ellipse-defining parameters and the value of the longitudinal distance between the two selected points are combined to define an elliptical cone having a conical surface that approximates the curved surface of the body. As above, a prefitted stiffened member may then be fabricated on the basis of a pattern superimposed onto the conical surface. The present invention will be further understood from the accompanying description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts. Figure 1 conceptually depicts a human body modelled by a series of cones. Figure 2 is a perspective view of a conventional knee brace positioned on the leg of a patient. Figure 3 is a perspective view of a leg to be prefitted with a thigh cuff and having a conical surface superimposed over the upper leg, wherein the conical surface is approximated in accordance with the present invention. Figure 4A is a perspective view of two planes, each having a selected point lying thereon and further having a circle approximated thereon in accordance with the present invention. Figure 4B is a perspective view of two planes, each having a selected point lying thereon and further having an ellipse approximated thereon in accordance with the present invention. Figure 5 is a perspective view of the conical surface of Figure 3 having a three-dimensional pattern of an upper leg support member superimposed thereon. Figure 6 is a two-dimensional mapping of the conical surface and pattern of Figure 5. The present invention provides a method for prefitting an orthotic device to the curved surface of a desired section of the human body, typically having an at least somewhat uneven or asymmetrical, tapered shape that can, nevertheless, be approximated by a conical surface of a cone, and preferably an elliptical or circular cone. Figure 1 is a model of a human body designated 10, wherein the generally tapered body sections are modelled by cones. As the term is used herein, "cone" refers to whole cones and to portions of cones formed by passing a plane through a cone, thus, for example, dividing the cone into a base-containing portion and an apex-containing portion. This term therefore includes frusto-conical arrangements. As shown in Figure 1, the human head is modelled by a cone 12, and the neck by a cone 14. The trunk sections, including the chest or thoracic section, the abdominal section, and the pelvic section, are modelled by cones 16, 18 and 20, respectively. The limb sections, including the upper arms, the lower arms or forearms, the upper legs or thighs, and the lower legs, are modeled by cones 22a and 22b, 24a and 24b, 26a and 26b, and 28a and 28b, respectively. The present method has particular utility to prefitting a stiffened frame of an orthopaedic brace to the curved surface of a body section adjacent to a body joint being supported by the brace. More specifically, the method has utility to prefitting the cuff component of the frame to the curved body surface above or below the joint being supported thereby, such that the cuff effectively and comfortably stabilises the brace at the points of engagement between the cuff and body. The present method can, for example, be applied to prefitting a thigh or calf cuff of a conventional knee brace, such as disclosed in US Patent 4,697,583 to the leg sections of a patient. By way of other examples, the present method can be applied to prefitting the cuffs of a conventional shoulder brace to the arm and torso sections of a patient, and to prefitting the cuffs of a conventional hip brace to the leg and torso sections of a patient. For purposes of illustration, the present method is described hereafter in the context of prefitting a stiffened thigh cuff, functioning as a support component of a knee brace, to the thigh of a patient. It is understood by the skilled artisan, however, that the method disclosed herein has broader applications to prefitting substantially any stiffened orthotic member to a curved surface of a human body section approximatable by the conical surface of a circular or elliptical cone. It is further apparent to the skilled artisan that the present method has generalised applications to prefitting substantially any stiffened member to the curved surface of a body approximatable by a conical surface of a circular or elliptical cone. With reference to Figure 2, the support components of a typical knee brace 30 are shown in position on the leg 32 of a patient. A stiffened thigh cuff 34 engages the upper leg section 36 below the hip joint 38 and supports the brace 30 thereagainst. A stiffened calf cuff 40 engages the lower leg section 42 and further supports the brace 30 thereagainst. The thigh cuff 34 is rotatably connected to the calf cuff 40 by a rigid upper arm 44a and a rigid lower arm 46a, and a rotatable hinge 48 adjacent to the knee joint 50. An identical pair of upper and lower arms and a hinge (not shown) connect the thigh cuff 34 with the calf cuff 40 on the opposite side of the leg 32. Flexible straps (not shown) are also commonly provided about the brace 30 and leg 32 to secure the brace 30 to the leg 32. In the present embodiment, both upper arms of brace 30 (only 44a is shown herein) are integrally formed with the thigh cuff 34 to provide a single upper leg support member 52. Thus, it is preferable to prefit the entire support member 52 to the upper leg section 36 in the manner of the present method incident to prefitting the thigh cuff 34 to the upper leg section 36. Likewise, both lower arms (only 46a is shown herein) and the calf cuff 40 integrally form a lower leg support member 54 that is preferably prefitted to the lower leg section 42 in its entirety incident to prefitting the calf cuff 40 to the lower leg section 42. The term "stiffened" refers to the degree of flexibility and elasticity of a material. As defined herein, a "stiffened" member ranges in flexibility and elasticity from a rigid material to a semi-rigid material. A rigid material is substantially inflexible and inelastic, whereas a semi-rigid material is resistant to flexion, yet has some limited flexibility, particularly in the lateral direction. In addition, a semi-rigid material is elastic to the extent that the material returns to its original configuration after limited flexion. Referring now to Figure 3, prefitting an upper leg support member of the type shown in Figure 2, including a thigh cuff, is initiated in accordance with the present method by selecting two points 56 and 58 on the surface of the upper leg section 36' having a longitudinal distance L therebetween. The longitudinal distance L can be arbitrarily selected, to the extent it has some value other than zero. Thus, points 56 and 58 can be selected substantially anywhere on the surface of the upper leg section 36' between the hip joint 38' and the knee joint 50', inclusive, subject to the above-recited limitation. Each point 56, 58 is contained within a discrete plane 60, 62 respectively, passing through the upper leg section 36'. The planes 60, 62 are preferably substantially parallel to one another, and more preferably perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the upper leg section 36', i.e. cross-sectional relative to the upper leg section 36'. The intersection of each place 60, 62 and the surface of the upper leg section 36' defines a pair of closed peripheral curves 64, 66 with the respective points 56, 58 lying thereon. Insofar as the contours of the upper leg section 36' are somewhat irregular, the curves 64, 66 are not exact geometric shapes. Where the peripheral curves 64' and 66' resemble circles, however, as shown in Figure 4A, a pair of circles 68 and 70 lying on the planes 60' and 62' that contain the points 56' and 58', respectively, are approximated therefrom, such as by known analytical methods. Where the peripheral curves 64'' and 66'' resemble ellipses, as shown in Figure 4B, a pair of ellipses 72 and 74 lying on the planes 60'' and 62'' that contain the points 56'' and 58'', respectively, are approximated therefrom, such as by known analytical methods. With reference to Figure 4A, each circle 68, 70 is defined by its geometrical parameters. To minimise the number of required leg measurements, it is preferable to select a circle-defining parameter which alone can uniquely define each circle 68 or 70. Such preferred circle-defining parameters include the radius, diameter and circumference. Accordingly, a measurement of the selected circle-defining parameter for each circle 68, 70 is obtained from the leg and synthesised with a measurement obtained from the leg for the longitudinal length L' between points 56' and 58' to define a circular cone 76' shown in partial outline. Similarly, with reference to Figure 4B, each ellipse 72, 74 is defined by its geometrical parameters. To minimise the number of required leg measurements, it is preferable to select a pair of ellipse-defining parameters which can uniquely define each ellipse 72 or 74. Such a preferred pair of ellipse-defining parameters is the length of the major axis and the length of the minor axis. Accordingly, measurements of the ellipse-defining parameters for each ellipse 72, 74 are obtained from the leg and synthesised with a measurement obtained from the leg for the longitudinal length L'' between points 56'' and 58'' to define an elliptical cone 76'' shown in partial outline. A cone 76 approximated in the manner described above with reference to Figure 4A or Figure 4B is shown superimposed over the upper leg 36' of a patient being prefitted with a leg brace in Figure 3. Figure 5 shows the circular cone 76' of Figure 4A substantially in its entirety, having a three-dimensional pattern 78 for an upper leg support member of the type shown in Figure 2 superimposed onto the conical surface 80 of the cone 76'. The pattern 78 occupies a modelling position on the conical surface 80 extending from above the knee to the knee joint pivot line 82, which corresponds to the placement position of the upper leg support member 52 on the upper leg 36 as shown in Figure 2. With the three-dimensional pattern 78 in the desired modelling position on the conical surface 80 of Figure 5, the geometrical configuration and spatial dimensions of the pattern 78 are specified mathematically by applying analytical methods based on the defined geometry of the cone 76' and the relative positioning of the pattern 78 on the cone surface 80. Generation of the mathematical specifications for the pattern 78 can be expedited by machine-assisted analytical modelling of the cone 76' and pattern 78 using a conventional computer in accordance with the present method. In a preferred embodiment, the three-dimensional pattern 78 is mapped from the cone 76' onto a plane, thereby creating a two-dimensional mapping 84 of the pattern 78, as shown in Figure 6 that facilitates generating the mathematical specifications of the pattern 78. The two-dimensional mapping 84 is created by slicing the cone 76' of Figure 5 with a plane 86 passing therethrough containing the upper edge 88 of the three-dimensional pattern 78. Slicing the cone 76' produces an apex-containing portion 90 which retains the pattern 78 superimposed onto its surface 80. The remaining base-containing portion 92 of the cone has no further utility in the present method. The apex-containing portion 90 of the cone is defined by angles β and , and a distance r n , wherein 2β = cone angle and  is the angle between the horizontal 94 and the curve 96 resulting from the intersection of the conic portion 90 and the plane 86. r n is the distance from the apex point p o to any point n on the curve 96. A two-dimensional mapping 98 of the conic portion 90 shown in Figure 6 is defined by r n and α n , wherein α n is an angle having a range from 0 to π ( sinβ ) and r n is the distance from the apex p o to the curve 96. It is apparent with reference to Figure 5 that if  = 0, the curve 96 is simply a circle and r n is constant. Thus, the conic portion 90 is readily mapped in two dimensions at a constant r across the range of α n . However, if  ≠ 0, the curve 96 is an ellipse and r n is variable. Thus, r n , must be defined at each position of α n . The following equation is used to define r n across the entire range of α n , wherein r n represents the distance between the apex p o and any point n on the ellipse 96 obtained by slicing the circular cone 76' with the plane 86. r n = ( ( acos α n sinβ - x 1 ) 2 +(bsin α n sinβ -y 1 ) 2 +z 1 2 )½ x 1 , y 1 , and z 1 are constants establishing the position of the apex p 1 of the conic portion 90 within a new three-dimensional coordinate system defined by the ellipse 96, where the x-axis is aligned with the major axis of the ellipse 96, the y-axis is aligned with the minor axis of the ellipse, and the z-axis emanates the centre point p o of the ellipse 96 perpendicular to the plane 86 containing the ellipse 96. The origin of the coordinate system defined by the ellipse 96 is the centre point p o having coordinates x o , y o , and z o all equal to zero. Accordingly, the apex p 1 of the conic portion 90 has coordinates x 1 , y 1 , and z 1 , as shown in Figure 5, wherein z 1 is the length of a perpendicular line segment from the centre point p o to a plane 100 containing the apex p 1 that is parallel to the plane 86 containing the ellipse 96, x 1 is the distance of a line segment from the apex p 1 to the intersection point p 2 of the z 1 line segment and the plane 100, and for all circular cones, y 1 = 0. a and b are constants related to the axes of the ellipse 96, wherein 2a = length of major axis and 2b = length of minor axis. After the two dimensional mapping 98 of the conic portion 90 is generated, this same equation can be used to generate the two-dimensional mapping 84 of the pattern 78 directly onto the mapping 98 or, alternatively, the three-dimensional pattern 78 can be mapped onto the two-dimensional mapping 98 by extrapolation from the known relationships between the three-dimensional pattern 78 and the three-dimensional portion 90 of the cone 76'. These tasks are expedited by performing the necessary computations using a conventional computer. Once the mathematical specifications for either the three-dimensional pattern 78 or the two-dimensional mapping 84 of the pattern have been established, the desired upper leg support member 52 is fabricated in correspondence therewith, thus, providing an upper leg support member 52 that is prefitted to the contours of the upper leg 36. The three-dimensional support member 52 can be fabricated in three dimensions at the outset, or initially fabricated in two dimensions, and thereafter shaped into three dimensions. It is understood that, although generation of the mathematical specifications for the pattern as described above are based on a circular cone, the specifications for the pattern could alternatively be generated in substantially the same manner based on an elliptical cone simply by modifying the algorithms, and applying them to an elliptical cone rather than a circular cone, as is readily apparent to the skilled artisan. the following example demonstrates the practice and utility of the present invention, bit it is not to be construed as limiting the scope thereof. Two points on the left thigh of a patient to be prefitted with a knee brace are selected. The points are separated by a distance L= = 51 mm (5 inches). A pair of circles are approximated by passing a pair of phantom cross-sectional planes containing the selected points through the thigh. The circles are determined to have a circumference of 410.0 mm (16.14 inches) and 508.0 mm (20.00 inches) respectively. Using this data, a circular cone is constructed having a cone angle 2β = 14°. A three-dimensional pattern for a thigh cuff is superimposed on the cone in a position corresponding to the desired position of the cuff on the thigh. The pattern is 51 mm (2 inches) high from the bottom edge to the parallel aligned top edge. The pattern is positioned on the cone such that the bottom edge intersects the larger of the two approximated circles at a medial point and deviates from the horizontal by an angle  = 10°. Accordingly, the arc forming the top edge of the thigh cuff lies on a cutting plane through the cone defining an ellipse determined to have a major and minor axes 2a = 164.2 mm (6.464 inches) and 2b = 165.2 mm (6.504 inches). The pattern for the top edge of the thigh cuff is mapped in two dimensions across the range of angle α according to the following equation after preliminary calculations are made to determine x 1 = 116.8 mm (4.599 inches), y 1 = 0, and z 1 = 662.5 mm (26.083 inches): r n = ((3.232cos(α n /sin7°) - 4.599) 2 + (3.252sin((α n /sin7°) 2 + 26.083 2 )) 1/2 where α n = 0 → π(sin7°) A two-dimensional mapping of the bottom edge can be determined by plotting a parallel curve 2 inches from the two-dimensional mapping of the top edge to obtain a two-dimensional mapping of the entire cuff. A three-dimensional support member is then fabricated by shaping a two-dimensional form based on the two-dimensional mapping into three dimensions. Although practice of the present method, as recited above, includes preliminarily obtaining a relatively small number of physical measurements of the desired body section being prefitted with the orthotic device, it is further within the scope of the present invention to practice the method by relying exclusively, or in part, on a statistical survey of body measurements from a population pool when prefitting a desired body section with an off-the-shelf orthotic device.

Claims: A method for prefitting a stiffened member (52, 54) to a curved surface of a body (36, 42; 36'), the method comprising: defining a cone (12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22a, 22b, 24a, 24b, 26a, 26b, 28a, 28b; 76; 76'; 76'') having a three dimensional conical surface (80) approximating a curved surface of a body; and superimposing a three dimensional pattern (78) onto said three dimensional conical surface at a modelling position corresponding to a desired placement position of a stiffened member on said curved surface of said body. A method according to claim 1 wherein said cone is an elliptical or circular cone. A method according to claim 1 or claim 2 comprising: selecting a first point (56) and a second discrete point (58) on said curved surface (36') of said body, wherein said first and second points are spaced a longitudinal distance (L; L'; L'') apart; selecting a first peripheral curve (64; 64'; 64'') on said surface around said body containing said first discrete point; selecting a second peripheral curve (66; 66'; 66'') on said surface around said body containing said second discrete point; said defining of said cone being based on said longitudinal distance and said first and second peripheral curves. A method according to claim 3 wherein said first peripheral curve lies on a first plane (60; 60' 60'') through said cone and said second peripheral curve lies on a second plane (62; 62'; 62'') through said cone. A method according to claim 4 wherein said first and second planes are substantially parallel. A method according to claim 4 or claim 5 wherein said planes are substantially cross-sectional to said body. A method according to any one of claims 4 to 6 further comprising defining a first circle (68) lying on said plane by determining a first circle-defining parameter, wherein said first circle approximates said first peripheral curve; and defining a second circle (70) lying on said plane by determining a second circle-defining parameter, wherein said second circle approximates said second peripheral curve. A method according to claim 7 wherein said cone is defined based on said longitudinal distance (L') and said first and second circle-defining parameters. A method according to claim 7 or claim 8 wherein said first and second circle-defining parameters are radii, diameters, or circumferences of said first and second circles, respectively. A method according to claim 3 further comprising defining a first ellipse (72) lying on a first plane by determining at least two first ellipse-defining parameters, wherein said first ellipse approximates said first peripheral curve; and defining a second ellipse (74) lying on a second plane by determining at least two second ellipse-defining parameters, wherein said second ellipse approximates said second peripheral curve. A method according to claim 10 wherein said cone is defined on the basis of said longitudinal distance (L'') and said at least two first and second ellipse-defining parameters. A method according to claim 10 or claim 11 wherein said first and second ellipse-defining parameters are major and minor axes of the ellipses. A method according to any preceding claim wherein said body is a section of a human body. A method according to any preceding claim wherein said body is a statistically modelled body based on a population pool of bodies. A method according to any preceding claim wherein said stiffened member is an orthopaedic brace component. A method according to claim 15 when dependent on claim 13 or claim 14 wherein said desired placement position is adjacent to a body joint to be supported by said brace. A method according to any preceding claim further comprising determining dimensional specifications of said three-dimensional pattern (78) relative to said three-dimensional conical surface (80), wherein said dimensional specifications of said three-dimensional pattern correspond to dimensional specifications of said stiffened member prefitted onto said curved surface of said body. A method according to claim 17 wherein said three-dimensional pattern is converted to a two-dimensional mapping (98) and said dimensional specifications are derived from the two-dimensional mapping. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 16 further comprising mapping said three-dimensional conical surface (80) on a two-dimensional surface and superimposing a two-dimensional mapping (84) corresponding to said three-dimensional pattern (78) on said two-dimensional surface. A method according to claim 19 further comprising determining dimensional specifications of said two-dimensional mapping relative to said two-dimensional surface, wherein said dimensional specifications correspond to dimensional specifications of said stiffened member prefitted onto said curved surface of said body. A method of fabricating a stiffened member which has been prefitted to a curved surface of a body, comprising performing the method according to any one of claims 17, 18 or 20, and fabricating the member in accordance with said dimensional specifications of said pattern.

Inventors: NEBOLON JOSEPH F, NEBOLON, JOSEPH F.
Applicants: SMITH & NEPHEW INC, SMITH & NEPHEW, INC.
Application year: 1994
Main classification: A61F5
IPC codes: A61F5